In a horrific incident reported by Spain’s El País and the BBC, 70 migrants were murdered by fellow passengers on a boat bound for the Canary Islands. The victims, primarily from Senegal, Mali, and Ivory Coast, were accused of witchcraft and thrown overboard during the perilous Atlantic crossing.

Spanish authorities, alerted by survivors who reached the islands in December, are investigating the claims. The grisly account details how the accused were blamed for the boat’s mechanical failures and dwindling supplies, a tragic reflection of the desperation and superstition that can fester on these dangerous journeys.

This event underscores the extreme perils of irregular migration, where human trafficking and volatile conditions create a lawless environment, with fatal consequences. The investigation continues as officials work to verify the full, shocking details.